AF Funded ORSSats

Abstract

The successful integration of space-based capabilities into the core of U.S. national security operations has resulted in dramatically increased demand for and dependence upon space capabilities. As a result, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) identified three needs: 1) to rapidly augment existing space capabilities when needed to expand operational capability; 2) to rapidly reconstitute/replenish critical space capabilities to preserve "continuity of operations" capability; 3) to rapidly exploit and infuse space technological or operational innovations to increase U.S. advantage. Operationally Responsive Space projects were optimized for prioritized theater use and/or surge, augmentation and replenishment of traditional space capabilities. The ORS Concept of Operations (CONOPS) drives the need for satellites featuring high degrees of modularity, standard interface vehicles, and the use of plug and play payloads and buses. The Air Force will continue to maintain ORS-1, launched 29 Jun 2011 to respond to U.S. Central Command's (USCENTCOM's) urgent need, validated by USSTRATCOM, to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for theater warfighters. The additional ORS Office efforts of maturing enabling elements will be transitioned as appropriate to other space programs including Global Positioning System, Advanced EHF Milsatcom, Space Based Infrared System, Space Control Technology, and the rest of the space architecture. ORS projects provide a broad range of capabilities directly supporting warfighter needs. Potential missions include communications, data exfiltration; blue/friendly-force situational awareness; maritime domain awareness; positioning, navigation, and timing; weather; missile warning; and battlefield ISR. The highest priorities of the ORS Office are the completion of the ORS-2 Modular Space Vehicle (MSV) Bus development, launch of the ORS-4 Super Strypi mission, development and launch of the ORS-5 space situational awareness mission, and the low cost automated manufacturing initiative. The ORS-3 enabler launch mission was successfully conducted in November 2013, demonstrating responsive launch and range capabilities. The remaining priorities for the ORS office are to satisfy the high priority needs for augmentation and reconstitution, such as Missile Warning, Wideband Protected Communication, Narrowband Communication, Space Situational Awareness, and Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) imagery. Capabilities are being developed to systematically mature the ORS enabling elements to meet the USSTRATCOM specified responsiveness timelines and the $60M 2007 NDAA cost target. This includes authenticating commercial space parts, confirming automated assembly lines, validating digital mission assurance processes, developing a modular open system architecture employing plug and play standards, and providing assembly, integration & test in the Rapid Response Space Works. It also includes integrating with the Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center (MMSOC) to proliferate common satellite command and control. ORS is working with the University of Hawaii's (U of H) Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory on the Super Strypi small launch vehicle to orbit the U of H's HiakaSat environmental monitoring satellite. This program is in Budget Activity 04, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, because the efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2016
• Source ID: 64A020_0604857F_4_3600_PB_2016

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites